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2013 European Car of the Year finalists announced

The finalists for the European Car of the Year have been announced, a total of 5 finalists from a total of 34 nominees. It’s coming to the end of another year, so we’re going to be inundated with ‘Best Car of the Year’ awards for the next few weeks from all on sundry. Out of the gate today comes the final list for the European Car of the Year’ with a selection of eight cars (it was too close to call for the normal seven finalists) with the only real surprise perhaps being the inclusion of two French cars – the Renault Clio and Peugeot 208.

Citroen Divine DS Concept showcases the DS brand’s direction

The Citroen Divine DS Concept is heading for Paris Citroen do good concepts, and the DS Divine Concept is another slightly barking gilded lily from the French car makers, pointing the way to future DS models and design. About the size of a DS4, the DS Divine is driving the DS brand in a different direction to Citroen, and the lack of any Citroen badging demonstrates Citroen’s intent to set the DS models apart from the regular Citroen models as a standalone brand around the world, much as they already do in China. With a big diamond pattern grill up front and its low, squat stance, the DS Divine looks convincing, even if the oversize alloys and some of the detailing are typically ‘concept’, particularly the windowless back end.

Central Academy of Fine Arts degree show 2009, China

China's home grown car makers are increasingly ambitious, as illustrated by plans to grow rapidly at home and, in some cases, expand abroad and compete with foreign rivals in cutting-edge technologies. One big impediment they face in taking on their foreign rivals is design. Top dogs in the global auto industry invest heavily in engineers and designers.